Wright Brother's first flight - picture of the day

A photographic highlight selected by the picture desk. On 17 December 1903 Orville Wright became the first person to successfully fly a heavier-than-air machine under complete control of the pilot. The flight covered 37 metres in 12 seconds, at a speed of only 6.8 m/h, and was recorded in this famous photograph

Orville Wright at the controls of the Wright Flyer during the first powered flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Wilbur Wright is seen running alongside the flyer, and has just released his hold on the forward upright of the right wingIllustration: Photograph: Corbis